The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body and to raise awareness about the organ the ‘World Heart Day’ is celebrated on September 29, annually, at the international level. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world’s number one killer, resulting in 18.6 million deaths a year.
According to the World Heart Federation, “World Heart Day informs people around the globe that CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year, and highlights the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD. It aims to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.”
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World Heart Day 2021: Theme
Every year, the day is celebrated under a particular theme and for this year the theme is – “Use Heart to Connect.” “Harnessing the power of digital health to improve awareness, prevention and management of CVD globally is our goal for Word Heart Day 2021,” read the official website of WHF.
The theme for 2020 was, “Use Heart to beat CVD,” the theme for 2019 was, “For my heart, for your heart, for all our hearts.”
World Heart Day 2021: History
For the first time, the day was celebrated in the year 1999, and now the day has been marked as an annual event. The day was hosted by World Heart Federation and the World Health Organisation.
However, in 2012 global leaders pledged to reduce global mortality from noncommunicable illnesses by 25% by 2025.
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World Heart Day 2021: Myths and Facts
1. Myth: Heart diseases do not affect young people.
Fact: Anyone, irrespective of age, region and sex, can become a victim of heart disease. Plaque can be built in the arteries at any age – childhood, adolescence and old age.
2. Myth: It’s okay to have diabetes if you take medications regularly.
Fact: Medications may delay or reduce the risk but even when blood sugar levels are under control, you’re still at increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
3. Myth: Heart disease are genetic, it runs into the family.
Fact: People with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk but if you take care of your heart and eating habits you can drastically reduce the risk.
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4. Myth: Leg pain is just about ageing, there’s no link with the heart.
Fact: Leg pain felt in the muscles could be a sign of a condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). The risk for heart attack or stroke increases for people with PAD.
5. Myth: One should stop exercising after having a heart attack.
Fact: As per the Researchers, heart attack survivors who are regularly physically active and make other heart-healthy changes live longer than those who don’t.